Shredded furniture edges, chewed-up shoes, or hiding in fear may sound familiar to many pet owners, but be wary of these behaviors exhibited by your pets, which may strongly indicate a case of severe anxiety.
Scientific studies claim that almost 72% of dogs and 60% of cats may experience stress at different points in their lives, yet many pet parents may remain unaware of their fur babies’ psychological condition.
However, it is not the end but the beginning! Veterinary science has come a long way, offering safe and effective medication and precautions for different types of anxiety, whether it is travel-induced, separation-related, or triggered by loud noises like fireworks, and you can identify it before things get out of hand.
The causes of pet anxiety are different for every animal. Let’s get started on making tails wag and whiskers relax again.
How to Identify Pet Anxiety Before It is Too late?
Pet anxiety is a prolonged state of stress caused by real or perceived threats surrounding the pets. Over time, chronic anxiety may increase cortisol levels in the body, weakening the immune system, disrupting digestion, and leading to destructive or aggressive behaviors as coping mechanisms.
Sadly, many pet parents mistake these behaviors as disobedience, not realizing their pet is silently struggling. That is why it is important to understand anxiety before solving it.
Primary Causes that May Induce Anxiety in Pets
- Separation from owners (Separation anxiety).
- Loud noises (Thunderstorms, fireworks, shouting, etc.).
- Travel or vet visits from previous experience that went wrong
- Changes in the environment, such as moving to a new house or the arrival of a new family member.
- Lack of socialization or past trauma, especially in rescued pets.
Signs Your Pet May Have Anxiety
- Excessive barking, whining, or meowing when alone or around the owners
- Trembling, hiding, or attempting to escape in a new surrounding
- Destructive behaviors, such as chewing and scratching.
- Pacing, panting, or drooling.
- Urinating or defecating inside the house.
How to Treat Pet Anxiety Using Medication
Not every pet needs medication, but sometimes it is the best way to help pets who are scared or anxious most of the time. Most of the time, it can be alleviated with the right therapy.
When the imbalance of brain chemicals such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine occurs, your pet may feel anxious or upset without a clear reason. Anxiety-related medication may help balance those chemicals, allowing your pet to feel calmer and happier.
There are short-term medicines for sudden events like fireworks and long-term ones for daily anxiety. However, remember to always consult a veterinarian before using any medication.
1. Fluoxetine
Type: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI).
Best for: Treating separation anxiety in both dogs and cats, as well as generalized anxiety disorders.
How It Works
Fluoxetine boosts the serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is a key neurotransmitter often referred to as the “feel-good” chemical because it regulates mood, anxiety, and overall emotional balance.
By boosting serotonin, fluoxetine helps reduce a pet’s sensitivity to stress triggers, making them calmer and less reactive to situations that would normally cause anxiety or panic.
Usage
Fluoxetine is commonly used as a long-term medication. Pets need to take it for at least 4 to 8 weeks before its full calming effects become noticeable.
It must be prescribed by a licensed veterinarian, who will monitor the pet regularly. Moreover, regular follow-up appointments are crucial for adjusting the dosage as needed.
Common Side Effects
While fluoxetine is generally well-tolerated, some pets may experience side effects, including,
- Lethargy or tiredness.
- Gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting or diarrhea.
- Decreased appetite or reduced interest in food.
2. Clomipramine
Type: Tricyclic Antidepressant (TCA)
Best for: Treating separation anxiety and obsessive-compulsive behaviors, such as tail-chasing or excessive grooming, in pets.
How It Works
Clomipramine works by increasing the levels of two important brain chemicals: serotonin and norepinephrine.
These neurotransmitters help regulate mood, anxiety, and repetitive thoughts.
By boosting both, clomipramine reduces obsessive behaviors and helps calm anxious pets, breaking the cycle of stress and compulsive actions.
Usage
This medication is usually prescribed for long-term use and is most effective when combined with behavioral therapy or training.
As it affects multiple body systems, pets on clomipramine may require regular blood tests to monitor their health during treatment time.
Common Side Effects
Some pets may experience side effects, including
- Dry mouth, which can cause increased thirst.
- Constipation or difficulty in bowel movements.
- Mild sedation or sleepiness, especially when starting the medication.
3. Trazodone
Type: Serotonin Antagonist and Reuptake Inhibitor (SARI).
Best for: Providing short-term relief during stressful events such as vet visits, travel, or fireworks.
How It Works
Trazodone works quickly by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which helps to produce an instant calming effect. It also has mild sedative properties.
Usage
Trazodone is typically administered 1 to 2 hours before a known stressful event to help pets remain calm and less reactive.
It can also be safely combined with long-term anxiety medications, such as fluoxetine, to provide additional relief during extreme situations.
Common Side Effects
Some pets might experience
- Drowsiness or sleepiness, which helps with calming.
- Ataxia, or wobbly or uncoordinated walking, occurs if the dose is too high.
- Rare gastrointestinal upset, like mild nausea or vomiting.
Non-Prescription, Over-the-Counter (OTC) Supplements and Medications
For pets with mild to moderate anxiety or those who cannot tolerate stronger medications, these natural supplements can be extremely helpful.
1. L-Theanine
Type: Amino Acid Supplement
Best for: Helping with general nervousness, mild separation anxiety, and travel-related stress in pets.
How It Works
L-Theanine is a natural amino acid compound found in green tea that promotes the production of alpha brain waves. These brain waves create a calm yet alert state, helping pets feel relaxed without causing them to become sleepy or tired.
Usage
L-Theanine is usually available in chewable tablet form, making it easy to give as a treat. It can be used daily for general calmness or administered before specific stressful events, such as car rides or visits to the vet.
2. CBD Oil
Type: Cannabidiol Extract
Best for: Reducing anxiety caused by loud noises (like fireworks), general nervousness, and pain-related anxiety.
How It Works
CBD (Cannabidiol) works by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system, a specialized system that helps regulate mood, pain, and stress.
By supporting this system, CBD can help reduce anxiety, ease discomfort, and promote a balanced mood in pets without causing a “high.”
Usage
It is important to start CBD use under a veterinarian’s guidance to find the right dose for your pet.
Moreover, always choose products that have Certificates of Analysis (COAs) from third-party labs to ensure they are safe and free from harmful additives.
Common Side Effects
- Mild drowsiness, especially at higher doses
- Occasional stomach upset, such as diarrhea or vomiting, may occur if too much is given.
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Pheromone Diffusers
Type: Synthetic calming pheromones
Best for: Helping pets adjust to new environments, travel, or changes at home that may cause anxiety.
How It Works
These diffusers release synthetic versions of natural pheromones that mother dogs and cats naturally give off to comfort their babies.
When used in a home or travel setting, they comfort pets as their biological parents do.
Usage
Pheromone diffusers are available in plug-in forms or as sprays. They are safe for long-term, continuous use and do not produce any noticeable smell to humans.
Although there is no need for a prescription, they work best when used along with training or other relaxation therapies.
Complementary Products to Enhance Medication Effectiveness
While medications work on the chemical level, combining them with other supportive products creates a perfect balance.
- Anxiety wraps, also known as Thundershirts, provide a “hug” feeling.
- Calming Music for Pets to help reduce heart rate.
- Puzzle toys and slow feeders to keep the mind engaged, reducing nervous energy buildup.
Conclusion
Although administering medication may work in reducing severe anxiety in pets, we recommend applying alternative therapy to counter short-term or less severe anxiety conditions, using pheromone diffusers, calming music, massage, acupuncture, and natural supplements like CBD oil.
By understanding your pet’s triggers, using effective prescription or natural remedies, and combining these with positive behavioral training, you can treat most symptoms.
Start by consulting our certified veterinarian from Urban Pet Hospital and Resort, the best pet hospital in Urbandale, to give your pet the greatest comfort.